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Table Of Content
Understanding Mugshots in California
A mugshot is a booking photograph taken after an arrest. In California, these photos become part of the public record. While intended for law enforcement purposes, third-party websites often scrape these images from databases and publish them—sometimes with the intent of charging people for removal.
This practice can be harmful to employment, housing opportunities, and personal relationships. Understanding the framework of mugshot publication and laws can empower individuals to fight back.
Are Mugshots Public Record in California?
Yes. Under California’s Public Records Act, mugshots can be accessed by the media or individuals. However, recent legislative changes have limited how these records can be used and monetized.
Key Legal Protections:
- SB 1027 (2022): Prohibits websites from charging a fee to remove mugshots.
- California Civil Code § 1798.99.1: Mandates that commercial websites must remove arrest photos upon request under certain conditions.
For example, if your case did not result in a conviction, you have the right to request removal from mugshot databases.
Mugshots vs. Conviction Records
It’s important to distinguish between mugshots and criminal records. While both can be published, mugshots are often indexed more aggressively by search engines and exploited by unethical operators. Criminal conviction records have their own procedures for expungement, which often strengthen your case for mugshot removal.
Common Sites That Host Mugshots
- Mugshots.com
- BustedNewspaper.com
- Arrests.org
- Mugshots.Zone
- Local sheriff department or county jail websites
- Background check aggregators (e.g., InstantCheckmate, BeenVerified)
These platforms often rank highly in search engines, causing prolonged reputational damage. Even after arrest records are cleared or expunged, the mugshots can linger, hurting personal and professional opportunities. Learn more about Top Mugshot Websites and How Find Mugshots Online.
Legal Grounds for Removal
You may have a legal right to request mugshot removal if:
- The charges were dropped
- You were found not guilty
- Your record was expunged or sealed
- The arrest happened years ago and is irrelevant
- The site is in violation of California’s mugshot removal laws
- The photo is being monetized in violation of SB 1027
If you’re unsure, consulting an attorney or a reputation management service like Defamation Defenders can help evaluate your legal position.
How to Request Mugshot Removal (Step-by-Step)
1. Verify the Image Location
Use multiple search engines (Google, Bing, DuckDuckGo) to locate the mugshot. Record each URL and take screenshots for documentation.
2. Check Eligibility for Removal
Determine if your case qualifies under California law. Gather supporting documents like:
- Expungement certificates
- Court dismissal orders
- Non-conviction proof
3. Submit a Formal Request
Contact the website with:
- Full legal name
- Arrest date and jurisdiction
- Case number (if known)
- Request for removal under SB 1027
4. Follow Up
If no response, follow up with a second notice. Retain a copy of all correspondence.
5. File a Complaint
Submit complaints to:
- California Attorney General
- Federal Trade Commission
- Google’s Legal Removal Request Tool
6. Submit Removal Requests to Search Engines
Once the mugshot is removed from the original site, request de-indexing from:
- Google Remove Outdated Content Tool
- Bing Webmaster Tools
California Mugshot Removal Laws
SB 1027 Overview:
Passed in 2022, this law:
- Prohibits payment-for-removal business models
- Requires free removal of arrest photos upon request
- Grants victims the right to sue for non-compliance
“This law provides Californians a tool to reclaim their identity from predatory mugshot sites.” — State Senator Josh Becker
Expungement Law (Penal Code § 1203.4)
Expunging your record strengthens your case. Expungement relieves you of most penalties and disqualifications resulting from a conviction, allowing you to truthfully state you were not convicted.
Reputation Impact of Mugshots
Published mugshots are often the first impression employers, landlords, and others get from search engine results. Negative effects include:
- Employment Denial: Especially in sensitive fields like healthcare, education, and government.
- Loss of Clients or Business Leads: Service professionals and entrepreneurs face lost income due to reduced trust.
- Social Stigma: Persistent mugshots can create shame and embarrassment.
The cost of inaction may outweigh the investment in removal or suppression.
If you like this information you might want to check out this related post from our blog: How Much it Costs to Remove Negative Information from the internet.
Suppression Strategies for Mugshots
SEO and Content Suppression
If removal isn’t possible, you can minimize the visibility of mugshots by creating and promoting content that ranks higher.
Methods:
- Launch a blog with your full name as the domain
- Post high-quality content to LinkedIn, Medium, and other trusted sites
- Leverage press releases with name-branded keywords
- Participate in podcasts or community initiatives that can be documented online
Google Business Profile Optimization (if applicable)
If you’re a business owner, optimizing your business listing with positive reviews and verified content helps displace negative results.
Why Some Sites Refuse to Remove Mugshots
Despite California law, sites may ignore removal requests for these reasons:
- Hosted overseas (outside U.S. jurisdiction)
- Use freedom of speech as defense
- Operated anonymously
- Rely on automation without customer support
Legal recourse may still be possible, but it requires patience and strategic action.
How Defamation Defenders Can Help
Defamation Defenders offers:
- Custom mugshot removal campaigns
- Cease and desist letters to non-compliant websites
- SEO reputation management to restore credibility
- Expungement consulting to prepare documents
- Search monitoring so you’re alerted of new threats
Real-Life Mugshot Removal Success Story
Case Study: A San Diego nurse was arrested in 2017 for a crime later proven to be false. Despite case dismissal, her mugshot haunted her job applications and social media.
Defamation Defenders’ Strategy:
- Sent takedown requests to 5 mugshot sites
- Coordinated legal outreach with California-based attorneys
- Implemented SEO suppression with over 20 branded assets
Results:
- Removed 4 out of 5 mugshots
- Google de-indexed outdated pages
- Her professional profiles now appear as top results
This is one of hundreds of similar cases we’ve handled successfully.
Related Contents:
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Yes. Even old mugshots can resurface due to data aggregation or new indexing by search engines.
No. You must still contact sites individually and request removal or suppression.
You may have grounds for a harassment or defamation claim in addition to removal.
You can try, but results are often faster and more complete when handled by professionals.
If a site complies with SB 1027 and removes the photo, and Google de-indexes the page, the visibility can be eliminated. However, data might reappear later on other sites, so ongoing monitoring is crucial.
